U.S. patent application number 12/940411 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-10 for system and method for flashing a wireless device.
This patent application is currently assigned to ATC Logistics & Electronics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jimmie Paul Partee.
Application Number | 20120117477 12/940411 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45094206 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120117477 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Partee; Jimmie Paul |
May 10, 2012 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLASHING A WIRELESS DEVICE
Abstract
A system and method for flashing wireless devices. One or more
wireless devices are received. The testing device being operable to
receive the one or more wireless devices simultaneously. A
selection of one or more original equipment manufactures (OEMs) is
received. Models of wireless devices associated with the one or
more OEMS are visually displayed in response to receiving the
selection of the one or more OEMS associated with the one or more
wireless devices. A selection of one or more models associated with
the one or more wireless devices is received on the test device.
Instructions associated with the one or more models are displayed
for flashing the one or more wireless devices. The one or more
wireless devices are flashed in response to a user selection to
flash each of the one or more wireless devices.
Inventors: |
Partee; Jimmie Paul; (Double
Oak, TX) |
Assignee: |
ATC Logistics & Electronics,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
45094206 |
Appl. No.: |
12/940411 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/735 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 8/65 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/735 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/177 20060101
G06F015/177; G06F 3/048 20060101 G06F003/048 |
Claims
1. A method for flashing wireless devices, the method comprising:
receiving one or more wireless devices, the testing device operable
to receive the one or more wireless devices simultaneously;
receiving a selection of one or more original equipment
manufactures (OEMs); visually displaying models of wireless devices
associated with the one or more OEMS in response to receiving the
selection of the one or more OEMS associated with the one or more
wireless devices; receiving a selection of one or more models
associated with the one or more wireless devices on the test
device; displaying instructions associated with the one or more
models for flashing the one or more wireless devices; and flashing
the one or more wireless devices in response to a user selection to
flash each of the one or more wireless devices.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein flashing the one or
more wireless devices further comprises: downloading updates on the
test device; and installing the updates on the wireless device.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the updates include
updated firmware and/or updated software versions available from
the OEM.
4. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: testing the
one or more wireless devices to ensure the one or more wireless
devices includes the updates.
5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: recording
an identification of the one or more wireless devices indicating
the flashing has been performed.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the recording further
comprises: saving information read from the one or more wireless
devices indicating all content stored on the one or more wireless
devices after performing the flashing.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the test device
including a plurality of adapters for connecting to each of the one
or more wireless devices, and wherein the one or more wireless
devices are enabled to be tested singly, concurrently, and
simultaneously.
8. The method according to claim 5, wherein verifying further
comprises: determining an International Mobile Equipment Identity
(IMEI) associated with each of the one or more wireless devices as
the identification.
9. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: comparing a
memory map of the one or more wireless devices against a baseline
memory map associated with the configuration of the one or more
wireless devices to ensure the updates are installed on the one or
more wireless devices.
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: updating
information on the test device at a reoccurring time to performing
the visually displaying, displaying and concurrently flashing.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flashing further
comprises: flashing the one or more wireless devices from separate
partitions of the test device to prevent conflicts between a
plurality of OEMs.
12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selections are
received through a graphical user interface displayed by the test
device.
13. A system for flashing wireless devices, the system comprising:
a plurality of test clients; a managing device for updating an
application utilized by each of the plurality of test clients to
remove personal information from one or more wireless devices, each
of the plurality of test clients being operable to: receive a
plurality of wireless devices for simultaneous or concurrent
flashing of the plurality of wireless devices, receive a selection
of an OEM associated with a wireless device included within the
plurality of wireless devices connected to the test client,
visually display models of each of a plurality of wireless devices
associated with the OEM in response to receiving the selection of
the OEM associated with the wireless device, receive a selection of
a model associated with the wireless device, display instructions
associated with the model for flashing the wireless device, and
flash the wireless device in response to a user selection to flash
each of the plurality of wireless devices.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein each of the test
clients includes a plurality of partitions for running the
application separately on the plurality of partitions for testing
OEMs that are incompatible, and wherein the plurality of wireless
devices are enabled to be tested singly, concurrently, and
simultaneously.
15. The system according to claim 13, wherein each of the test
clients is operable to flash a plurality of wireless devices
utilizing adapters configured for testing the OEM and model.
16. The system according to claim 13, wherein compatible OEMs are
grouped in one or more of the plurality of partitions.
17. The system according to claim 13, wherein each of the test
clients is operable to download updates from the managing device
for a plurality of OEMs and a plurality of models associated with
each of the plurality of OEMs, the client device installs the
updates on the wireless device while flashing the wireless
device.
18. A test device for testing electronic devices comprising: a
processor for executing a flashing application; and a memory for
storing the application, the memory including a plurality of
partitions for testing a plurality of electronic devices from a
plurality of OEMs, wherein the applications is operable to: receive
a selection of an OEM associated with a electronic device from the
plurality of OEMs; visually display models of electronic devices
associated with the OEM in response to receiving the selection of
the OEM associated with the electronic device; receive a selection
of a model associated with the electronic device; on the test
device; display instructions associated with the model for flashing
the electronic device; and concurrently flash the one or more of
the plurality of electronic devices in response to a user selection
to flash each of the plurality of electronic devices; a plurality
of adapters for connecting the plurality of electronic devices to
the test device simultaneously; and a communications interface for
communicating with one or more managing devices to update the
application and information utilized by the application.
19. The test device according to claim 18, wherein the memory
includes a plurality of partitions, and wherein compatible OEMs are
grouped in one or more of the plurality of partitions.
20. The test device according to claim 18, wherein the test clients
includes a plurality of partitions for running the application
separately on the plurality of partitions for testing OEMs that are
incompatible.
21. The test device according to claim 18, wherein the client
devices is operable to download updates, the client device
installing updates on the electronic device.
22. The test device according to claim 18, wherein the updates
include updated firmware and/or updated software versions available
from the OEM.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The patent application is a co-pending application of U.S.
patent application Ser. Nos. ______ and ______, entitle "SYSTEM AND
METHOD FOR REMOVING CUSTOMER PERSONAL INFORMATION FROM AN
ELECTRONIC DEVICE" and "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUDITING CUSTOMER
PERSONAL INFORMATION REMOVAL ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES" which are being
filed concurrently herewith. The teachings and disclosures of which
are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference
thereto.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Usage of mobile, wireless, and electronic devices has grown
nearly exponentially in recent years. The expanded use of such
products and devices has been fostered by improvements in
communications standards, protocols, signaling, hardware, software,
and other advances. Under various circumstances, users may return
electronic devices to an original equipment manufacturer (OEM),
retailer, repair facility, service provider or other entity.
Electronic devices are often returned for repairs, exchanges,
warranty issues, or any number of other justified or arbitrary
reasons. It is imperative that any electronic device that has been
returned be cleared of all personal information, sensitive data, or
other information linked to a previous user. If the personal
information is not removed, applicable laws, industry standards,
and common business practices may be violated. For example, the
personal information may be used by another party to perpetrate an
act of identity theft. Similarly, a previous user's privacy may be
otherwise violated.
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment provides a system and method for flashing
wireless devices. One or more wireless devices may be received. The
testing device may be operable to receive the one or more wireless
devices simultaneously. A selection of one or more original
equipment manufactures (OEMs) may be received. Models of wireless
devices associated with the one or more OEMS may be visually
displayed for in response to receiving the selection of the one or
more OEMS associated with the one or more wireless devices. A
selection of one or more models associated with the one or more
wireless devices may be received on the test device. Instructions
associated with the one or more models may be displayed for
flashing the one or more wireless devices. The one or more wireless
devices may be flashed in response to a user selection to flash
each of the one or more wireless devices.
[0004] Another embodiment provides a system for flashing wireless
devices. The system may include a number of test clients. The
system may also include a managing device for updating an
application utilized by each of the number of test clients to
remove personal information from one or more wireless devices. Each
of the number of test clients may be operable to receive a number
of wireless devices for simultaneous or concurrent flashing the
number of wireless devices, receive a selection of an OEM
associated with a wireless device included within the number of
wireless devices connected to the test client, visually display
models of each of a number of wireless devices associated with the
OEM for receiving a user selection of a wireless device in response
to receiving the selection of the OEM associated with the wireless
device, receive a selection of a model associated with the wireless
device, display instructions associated with the model for flashing
the wireless device, and flash the wireless device in response to a
user selection to flash the wireless device.
[0005] Yet another embodiment provides a test device for testing
electronic devices. The test device may include a processor for
executing a flashing application and a memory for storing the
application. The memory may include a number of partitions for
testing a number of electronic devices from a number of OEMs. The
application may be operable to receive a selection of an OEM
associated with a electronic device from the plurality of OEMs,
visually display models of electronic devices associated with the
OEM in response to receiving the selection of the OEM associated
with the electronic device, receive a selection of a model
associated with the electronic device; on the test device, display
instructions associated with the model for flashing the electronic
device, and concurrently flash the one or more of the plurality of
electronic devices in response to a user selection to flash each of
the plurality of electronic devices. The testing device may also
include a number of adapters for connecting the number of
electronic devices to the test device simultaneously. The testing
device may further include a communications interface for
communicating with one or more managing devices to update the
application and information utilized by the application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are
described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing
figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and
wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a flashing system in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a flashing device in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for flashing an
electronic device in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user
interface for selecting an OEM in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user
interface for selecting a particular electronic device model in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user
interface for providing instructions to a user flashing an
electronic device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
and
[0013] FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user
interface for implementing flashing of an electronic device in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The illustrative embodiments provide a system and method for
detecting and removing customer private information (CPI) from
electronic devices. CPI is removed from electronic devices in order
to ensure the electronic devices may be repaired, exchanged,
refurbished, returned, substituted, or otherwise recycled for
usage. The detection of and removal of CPI allows service providers
and other organizations or parties to comply with applicable laws,
meeting industry standards, and maintain good relationships with
consumers, retailers, service providers, and others that may
utilize the electronic device or provider services for those
electronic devices.
[0015] The illustrative embodiments may be implemented as a local
client, networked system, or device for flashing electronic
devices. Flashing electronic devices includes removing all personal
information previously entered or utilized by a previous owner or
user as well as ensuring the electronic device has the most updated
versions of software, firmware, or other required or designated
applications for utilizing the electronic device. The illustrative
embodiments may allow multiple electronic devices, such as cell
phones to be connected to a single flashing device (also referred
to as a testing device or client) for flashing multiple electronic
devices.
[0016] Electronic devices may include computing and
telecommunications devices including cell phones, PDAs, smart
phones, laptops, e-readers, mp3 players, and other forms of person
or consumer electronic devices. CPI may include information, such
as phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, IP addresses, social
security numbers, bank accounts, contact lists, address books,
passwords, usernames, and other sensitive information associated
with the user or utilized by the user. Due to the prolific usage of
wireless device, the process of flashing a wireless device is
utilized as an ongoing example even though the process may be
utilized for any number of electronic devices.
[0017] The process of flashing one or more electronic devices may
take anywhere from a matter of seconds to a number of minutes. As a
result, the technician or operator, herein referred to as a user,
may initiate flashing for each of the electronic devices
individually, as a group, or for an entire group which may
represent electronic devices from multiple original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) or multiple devices of a single or different
OEM's electronic device(s) at different times, concurrently or
simultaneously, based on the preferences of the user.
[0018] The inability to properly remove CPI may result in identity
theft, consumer bad will, contract or legal violations, and other
undesirable effects or outcomes. In various embodiments, the CPI
removal and detection process may be utilized or integrated into
warehouse management operations, logistics services, and systems
and devices that are utilized to process electronic devices. The
electronic devices are processed by determining or detecting
whether CPI is present on the electronic device, removing the CPI
if necessary and reporting the removal or non-removal of CPI on
devices that are being processed or have previously been processed
to provide an audit trail as well as trend analysis information to
interested parties. The embodiments as herein described may be
automated or may require user interaction. In particular, the
illustrative embodiments provide a system and method for tracking
CPI that is detected on processed or unprocessed electronic devices
and implementing CPI removal as well as tracking. The illustrative
embodiments may be utilized to check for or check and clear CPI
from electronic devices (also referred to as detect or detect and
delete).
[0019] In one embodiment, the flashing device may include multiple
partitions for implementing flashing for the electronic devices. A
flashing application may be implemented or executed by the flashing
device to flash the electronic devices by removing customer
personal information (CPI) and updating the electronic device to
include the most recent update or returning the electronic device
back to a factory standard configuration. Updates or configurations
of the electronic device are defined to include operating systems,
firmware, applications and other software required to operate the
electronic device,
[0020] FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a flashing system in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 1 provides an
embodiment of a flashing system 100. The flashing system is an
electronic environment or networked system for individual devices
that individually or together may be utilized to perform flashing
for a number of wireless devices.
[0021] In one embodiment the flashing system 100 may include
flashing devices 102, 104, 106 and 108, a managing device 110 and
networks 112 and 114. The flashing device 102 may further include
the flashing application 116 displaying a graphical user interface
118 and may be utilized to test wireless devices 120, 122 and 124.
As shown, the networks 112 and 114 represent public or private data
or communication networks.
[0022] In one embodiment, network 112 may represent a private
network utilized by a service provider to test numerous wireless
devices returned to the service provider for repair, refurbishment,
replacement, or for other circumstances. For example, the network
114 may represent an open or public network, such as the internet
that is accessed by millions of users daily. The networks 112 and
114 may represent any number of private, virtual, or public
networks.
[0023] The flashing devices 102, 104, 106 and 108 (102-108)
represent communication devices each of which may be utilized to
flash a number of wireless devices. Each of the flashing devices
102-108 may execute a version of the flashing application 116 in
order to flash wireless devices, such as wireless devices 120, 122
and 124. Alternatively, the flashing devices 102-108 may access a
flashing application stored and executed by the managing device 110
through the network 112. The managing device 110 is a computing
device configured to manage the flashing systems, operations,
applications and updates utilized by the flashing devices 102-108.
In one embodiment, the managing device 110 may itself be a flashing
device.
[0024] In one embodiment, the managing device 110 communicates with
a network web portal during the initialization phase of the
flashing system 100 or at a designated timeframe during off service
hours to update the flashing application 116 or data including all
applicable new software packages, utilized by the flashing
applications 116 to flash the wireless devices 120, 122 and 124.
The managing device 110 may control the flow of network information
pertaining to updates so as to prevent the user from applying a
flash request to an OEM or device which is in the process of
updating. For example, during updates a visual blinking red light
may indicate "Updates are in Progress . . . . Please wait" with the
OEM selection process being locked out until update are completed
and a status indicator light goes green to indicate the flashing
device 102 is "ready."
[0025] The managing device 110 may also receive or archive
information and data regarding the flashing of wireless devices,
such as wireless devices 120-124 performed by each of the flashing
devices 102-108. As a result, the flashing activities of the
service provider may be monitored, tracked, or archived for
subsequent reference.
[0026] In one embodiment, the flashing system 100 may be utilized
in a single building or complex of the service provider for
flashing wireless devices. The flashing device 108 may represent a
device at a remote facility, such as an annex building or retail
store, that is also utilized for flashing wireless devices. The
flashing application 116, as well as the graphical user interface
118, may allow a user to flash the wireless devices 120, 122 and
124. The flashing application 116 may also be executed by a
standard computing or communications device to perform flashing by
utilizing a number of adapters or hubs for connection to multiple
wireless devices.
[0027] In one embodiment, the flashing application 116 may be
executed on separate partitions of the flashing device 102
simultaneously in order to concurrently or simultaneously test the
wireless devices 120, 122 and 124. The processes used by the
flashing application 116 may not be compatible (inducing conflicts
or errors) for all OEMs or wireless devices models requiring that
separate instances of the flashing application 116 be executed so
that user time and effort to flash the wireless devices 120-124, as
well as computing resources are minimized.
[0028] In one embodiment, the partitioning is necessary to
implement instances of the flashing application 116 (or separate
flashing applications customized for specific OEMs or models) on
separate partitions that would otherwise experience memory
conflicts or errors if the flashing applications were running on
the same partition. For example, wireless devices 120 and 124 might
not be able to be tested concurrently because of conflicts within
the flashing application 116. As a result, separate instances of
the flashing application 116 may be executed on a first partition
for flashing the wireless devices 120 and 122 that do not have
conflicts and a separate instance of the flashing application 116
may be executed on a second partition for flashing the wireless
device 124. As a result, the wireless devices 120-124 may be
flashed concurrently or simultaneously despite potential conflicts
or errors.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a flashing device in accordance
with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment
of a flashing device 200. The flashing device 200 may be a
particular implementation of the flashing devices 102-108 or the
managing device 110 of FIG. 1. The flashing device 200 may include
any number of computing and communications element including
hardware, software, and peripherals that are not specifically
shown, such as circuits, motherboards, adapters, displays,
circuits, logic, and other similar elements.
[0030] In one embodiment, the flashing device 200 may include a
processor 202, a memory 204, a communications interface 206,
adapter 1 208, adapter 2 210, adapter 3 212, a memory 214, an
application 216, partition 1 218, partition 2 220 and partition n
222. The respective partitions 218-222 may include OEM A 224, OEM B
226, OEM C 228, OEM D 230 and OEM E 232. The communications
interface 206 is an interface for communicating with one or more
networks or devices.
[0031] The processor 202 is circuitry or logic enabled to control
execution of a set of instructions. The processor 202 may be
microprocessors, digital signal processors, application-specific
integrated circuits (ASIC), central processing units, or other
devices suitable for controlling an electronic device including one
or more hardware and software elements, executing software,
instructions, programs, and applications, converting and processing
signals and information, and performing other related tasks. The
processor 202 may be a single chip or integrated with other
computing or communications elements.
[0032] The memories 204 and 214 are hardware elements, devices, or
recording medias configured to store data for subsequent retrieval
or access at a later time. The memory 204 may be static or dynamic
memory. The memory 204 may include a hard disk, random access
memory, cache, removable media drive, mass storage, or
configuration suitable as storage for data, instructions, and
information. In one embodiment, the memory 204 and processor 202
may be integrated. The memory may use any type of volatile or
non-volatile storage techniques and mediums.
[0033] In one embodiment, the communications interface 206 is an
Ethernet network interface for communicating through an Ethernet
network. The communications interface 206 may also represent other
forms of network adapters for communicating with or through
traditional or proprietary networks.
[0034] The adapters 208-212 represent adapters for communicating
with a number of different wireless device types. For example, the
adapters 208-212 may include mini or micro USB adapters or other
similar adapters for communicating with wireless devices 234, 236
and 238. The adapters 208-212 are representative of interfaces that
may communicate with wireless devices of all makes and models.
Adapters 208-212 are shown as illustrative embodiments only. In one
embodiment, the flashing device 200 includes enough adapters to
fully occupy the time of the user in connecting and testing a
number of wireless devices concurrently. For example, a user may
connect the wireless devices 234 and 236 to adapter 1 208, and
adapter 2 210, respectively, in order to initiate and complete the
flashing process.
[0035] Once the flashing process has been initiated, the user may
connect the wireless device 238 to the adapter 212 to begin testing
for the wireless device 238. The flashing device 200 may also be
connected to a number of other wireless devices thereby efficiently
employing the user's time as well as the resources of the flashing
device 200. The memory 214 may be configured to store data and
information utilized by the flashing application 216 to perform the
flashing as well as the result from the flashing and the flashing
application 216 itself. The flashing application 216 may be
configured to automatically flash the wireless devices 234-238 or
to implement the flashing based on user input.
[0036] In one embodiment, once the wireless devices 234-238 are
connected to the respective adapters 208-212, the application 216
may recognize the wireless devices 234-238 and implement the
designated flashing process which may include removal of all CPI
and reinstalling the updates corresponding to the wireless
device.
[0037] In another embodiment, the application 216 may allow a user
to specify an OEM model and other details associated with each of
the wireless devices 234-238 so that the application 216 may guide
the user through a complete flashing of the wireless devices
234-238. As a result, the partitions including partition 1 218,
partition 2 220, and partition n 222 may execute separate instances
of the application 216 to test the wireless devices 234-238. For
example, partition 1 may execute an application for OEM A 224 and
OEM B 226 because of their flashing compatibilities.
[0038] The application 216 may be separately implemented on
partition 2 220 for OEM C 228 based on a conflict OEM C 228 (or
associated devices) may have with OEM B 226 and OEM D 230 (and
their associated devices). Similarly, partition n 222 may execute
an application for OEM D 230 and OEM E 232 to test specific
wireless devices. Although not specifically shown herein, the
flashing device 200 includes any number of partitions that allows
for testing numerous wireless devices representing different OEMs
and models. Partition 1 218, partition 2 220, and partition n 222,
may represent partitions of the memory 214 that are divided into
logical drives associated with data and application storage.
[0039] In one embodiment, the memory 214 may include a primary
partition and may be further divided into other secondary logical
drives and partitions that may be assigned names, letters, and
identifiers for storing and accessing the related flashing
applications.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for flashing an
electronic device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
The process of FIG. 3 may be implemented by one or more flashing
devices in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process
of FIG. 3 may be implemented simultaneously or concurrently for
numerous different wireless devices. For example, the process may
be initiated for a first wireless device and then once the flashing
process begins which may take five minutes the user may turn his or
her attention to another wireless device and utilize the flashing
device to begin flashing a second wireless device. Alternatively,
the process may be initiated manually or simultaneously for
multiple wireless devices.
[0041] The process of FIG. 3 begins by the flashing system user
interface visually displaying OEMs (step 302). The OEMs of step 302
may be OEMs with which a particular service provider, company, or
group works with. For example, the flashing device may display the
OEMs available based on previous selections. For example, the OEM
most frequently associated with wireless devices being flashed may
be displayed first with other OEMs similarly being displayed based
on previous selections. Alternatively, the OEMs may be displayed
utilizing alphabetical order or other formats selected by a
user.
[0042] Next, the flashing device receives selections of the OEM
associated with the wireless device to be flashed (step 304). The
selections or user input provider during the process of FIG. 3 may
be received through a touch screen, mouse selection, voice input or
through any number of other communications signals or interactions
with the flashing device as are known in the art.
[0043] Next, the flashing device visually displays models
associated with the selected OEM (step 306). The information
displayed during the process of FIG. 3 may be displayed utilizing
libraries, databases, files, links or other elements for properly
linking to the correct information and displaying to the user.
[0044] The flashing device receives selection of the model (step
308). Next, the flashing device displays instructions associated
with the model for flashing the selected wireless device (step
310). In some cases, the steps required to remove all personal
information, completely clear the memory, or perform updates for
the wireless device may be complicated or may differ across OEMs or
models. As a result, the instructions are particularly useful for
the user in order to efficiently step through the process for
flashing the wireless device for a number of devices. The
instructions may be displayed textually and audibly for
facilitating the user's progression to flashing the wireless
device.
[0045] Next, the flashing device receives a connection to one or
more wireless devices to the flashing device (step 312). In one
embodiment, the user may connect an adapter such as a micro USB
adapter to the micro USB port of the wireless device. The wireless
device may also require that it be powered on or placed in a
configuration mode in order to communicate with the flashing
device. The flashing device may provide an index, help, or
instructions for guiding the users.
[0046] Next, the flashing device accesses updates to flash the
selected model (step 314). The updates may include applications,
operating systems, versions, firmware and other elements for
ensuring the wireless device has the most up-to-date operating
software and instructions provided by the OEM service provider or
other group with which the wireless device is associated. In one
embodiment, the updates may have previously been downloaded to the
flashing device and associated with the application. In another
embodiment, the updates may be downloaded from a network resource
or alternative or secondary resource in order to further proceed
with flashing of the wireless device.
[0047] Next, the flashing device flashes the selected wireless
device in response to a user selection (step 316). In one
embodiment, all memory locations of the wireless device associated
with CPI may be cleared and any applicable fields, text or memory
may be deleted, written over or otherwise cleared. Similarly, the
wireless device may have the operating system, most recent
applications, or other updates installed or reinstalled on the
wireless device. In some cases, reinstallation of the operating
system and other updates may supersede clearing of CPI information
as the CPI information is automatically deleted or written over
during the reinstallation process.
[0048] The process of FIG. 3 may then be implemented for another
wireless device beginning with visually displaying OEMs (step 302)
to receive the applicable selection. Alternatively, for identical
wireless device the flashing device may receive a connection of one
or more wireless devices to the flash device (step 312) based on an
operator action with the process proceeding as described
herein.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user
interface for selecting an OEM in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment. The graphical user interface 400 displays a window or
user interface for an OEM selection 402. The OEM selection 402 may
allow a user to select any number of OEMs associated with the
wireless device to be tested. Examples of OEMs may include Apple,
Del, Garmin, HP, HTC, LG, Motorola, Ericcson, Nokia, Palm, Pantech,
Micro Wireless, RIM, Samsung and Sony.
[0050] In one embodiment, new OEMS may be added based on manual
inputs or based on a search for other OEMs that are not displayed
in the OEM selection 402. Interactions with the graphical user
interface 400 may be implemented through a mouse, keyboard, touch
screen, the wireless device itself, verbal commands or other forms
of communication or signal with the flashing device. The OEM
selection 402 may indicate whether the OEM information is ready or
is being updated and the progress of any ongoing updates. Any of
the graphical user interfaces of FIGS. 4-7 may display a help icon
for providing the user additional information about the OEM, model,
or flashing process at any time.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user
interface for selecting a particular electronic device model in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The graphical user
interface 500 may display a number of models associated with the
selected OEM. For example, the graphical user interface 500 may
display all of the applicable models associated with the OEM Micro
Wireless. The models may include a number designator,
identification, picture, search window, or other information
utilized to select the applicable model.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user
interface for providing instructions to a user flashing an
electronic device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
The graphical user interface 600 provides an interface for
displaying instructions for the selected model. For example, if the
user has selected Micro Wireless as the OEM and the A987 model the
graphical user interface may display instructions 602. The
instructions may provide details for ensuring that the wireless
device is properly flashed.
[0053] In one embodiment, the graphical user interface 600 may
include a button 604 or selection element for posting questions,
requesting instruction clarifications, or otherwise providing
dynamic feedback for improving the flashing application. For
example, the user may add suggestions, remove redundant steps or
otherwise configure the instructions 602 for preciseness or to be
more efficient. In one embodiment, the editing features or adding
features of FIGS. 4-7 may only be available to an administrator or
other user authorized to reconfigure the graphical user interface
600 of the flashing application in a programming or update
mode.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user
interface for implementing flashing of an electronic device in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The graphical user
interface 700 may include selection elements 702 and 704 for
selecting whether to access a flash package for the selected model.
For example, selection of the selection element 702 may begin a
script program or instructions that communicate updates to the
wireless device. Selection of the selection element 702 may also
retrieve the applicable information utilized to flash the selected
wireless device. If the appropriate flash package including
updates, instructions or other information is unavailable, a
selection element 706 may be displayed to the user for searching
for a download package.
[0055] Once the user has all of the necessary information the user
may be displayed selection elements 708 and 710 for selecting
whether to implement a flash for the selected wireless device. At
any time during the display of the graphical user interface 700,
the user may be allowed to select one or more adapters for which
the process is implemented. For example, the user may utilize
selection element 711 to select one or more adapters associated
with the selected wireless device. As a result, the flashing
process is performed for the specified adapters.
[0056] In another embodiment, the user may have connected a number
of identical models to the flashing device to be flashed. As a
result, the process may be implemented simultaneously or
concurrently (representing different initiation times) for each of
those identical models as selected by the user utilizing a
selection element such as selection element 711 that allows the
user to specify the wireless devices and the adapters associated
with each of those devices.
[0057] Indicators 712 and 714 may indicate whether the flash was
successful or whether it failed. Other indicators may also allow
the user to specify whether to archive or save tests associated
with the flashing process. For example, the service provider may
want to document a memory map of the wireless device showing that
it has been properly flashed and that no CPI is available on the
wireless device as shown by memory mapping, tests, or other data
that verify the flashing process has occurred and has occurred
correctly.
[0058] The previous detailed description is of a small number of
embodiments for implementing the invention and is not intended to
be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth a number of
the embodiments of the invention disclosed with greater
particularity.
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